These lilacs came from a tree my Uncle and Aunt dug up from their property in Northern NY and gave to us when we moved into our house. Thanks Aunt Avis and Uncle Kermit.
I have been reading a lot about "Going Green" recently. I came across one posting that suggested one should treat Earth Day as one treats The New Year. Meaning make resolutions or promises you can manage to do for the ENTIRE YEAR.
I feel it's time for ME to do a little more than what I am already doing. We recycle, use cloth bags, (when we remember), buy products with less packaging when available, ride bikes or walk when convenient, etc.
I have always been told when one really wants to change something in ones personal life, they should tell lots of people publicly as those people will hold that one accountable. I believe that is true, hence this post. :-)
My Resolutions for the new Earth Day Year. (I feel the following are realistic and achievable goals for me with the present life style I am living.)
1. Plant a Garden.
I am not really planting a "garden" - I don't trust the soil in our yard =( - but I am trying to grow some of our own food. Green Peppers, tomatoes, lettuces, broccoli, a few herbs, Morning Glory's and Humming Bird Vine to cover our windows for the summer (keeping heat from sun out of house...therefore using less energy via fans and air conditioning). There are a few of us in town that have vegetable gardens and we will probably trade goods amongst ourselves and also share with other non gardener friends as well. =)
2. Institute "Meatless Mondays" in our household.
The kids may not be especially thrilled about this, but I am going to give it a shot anyway. Hubby and I will follow this. I am sure there will be some TERRIBLY HORRIBLE dinners in the next 52 weeks. But hopefully they will be far and few in between. *wink wink*
3. Use cloth bags MORE!!!
I have tied a long green piece of yarn on my rear view mirror in The Van. I am hoping this will serve as reminder to keep a dang cloth bag in the van at all times and use it at liquor store, drug store, etc etc. Stores other than just the grocery store!
4. Use alternate means of transportation to get to work at least 52 times this year.
I rode my bike twice this week! YEAH! But soon it will get too hot to ride and then too cold. So that leaves Public transportation. I have lived in NJ for 20 years now and still don't know how to read a bus schedule...MAYBE SOMEONE CAN HELP ME OUT? I doubt I am going to get 52 bike rides in to work between weather and the boys schedule.
5. Become a member of some "Green" Organization.
I have become a "Fan" of many green - well I'll call them "Clubs" for lack of a better term - on FaceBook. Anything any of them posts comes right to my Home Page and is easily seen and read by me. One group really caught my attention - Terracycle ( www.terracycle.net ). So much so, that I actually signed up to be a leader for 2 of their Brigades. I also took the idea to my boss at work yesterday. Holy Moly -- an email is going out tomorrow to all my co-workers regarding the 4 Brigades he thought will be fitting for our office personnel. (where is that "LIKE" button?)
6. Reuse.
a. See #5 above.
b. Use Freecycle more. Picked up my first stuff last night. I did good *nodding*
c. Use Thrift Shops. They aren't what they used to be. I picked up 7 dresses for work for $52.oo a couple of weeks ago. DEAL OF THE CENTURY!!!
I do ask the few who have taken the time to peek at this Blog Entry to reach out to me throughout the year and ask me how I am doing with my "Resolutions". Knowing people will ask me about my goals will help me to keep on target.
If any of you have "Resolutions" , why not be bold and share? You've nothing to lose, but lots to gain.
